Eastern Cape deploys army to fight crime amid rising violence, highlighting ongoing security struggles in South Africa’s most troubled province.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered the deployment of 550 soldiers across five provinces to combat organized crime, gang violence, and illegal mining. The move follows rising homicide rates and public concern, marking a significant escalation in efforts to restore law and order in South Africa. The deployment is set to last until March 2027.
Julius Malema, leader of South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters, has been sentenced to five years in prison for firing a rifle at a 2018 rally. He has been released on bail pending appeal. If upheld, the sentence will disqualify him from Parliament, dealing a major blow to his party.